Gastroenterology Lab and
Endoscopy
Services
Norwegian American Hospital
has two
state-of-the art gastroenterology labs that offer digital imaging,
fluoroscopy and high resolution monitors. Our experienced and skilled
technical staff supports more than 1,800 procedures annually.
Specially tailored procedures are also available for the geriatric
population, adults and children on an inpatient and outpatient basis.
Other Services
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Upper endoscopy
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Lower colonoscopy
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ERCP (endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography)
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Endoscopic pancreatic therapy
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Flexible sigmoidoscopy
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Liver biopsies
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Percutaneous gastrostomy tubes
Colorectal
cancer screening
What is colorectal cancer?
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine
(colon). Rectal cancer is cancer of the rectum, which is the part of the
large intestine closest to the anus. These forms of cancer have many common
features. They are often referred to together as colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United
States. Many of these deaths happen because the cancers are found too late
to be effectively treated. If colorectal cancer is found early enough, it is
usually very treatable and not life threatening.
What are the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp. At
first, apolyp is a small, harmless growth in the wall of the colon.
However, as a polyp gets larger, it can develop into a cancer that grows and
spreads.
Common features:
-
Bleeding
from rectum
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Blood in
stool or in the toilet after a bowel movement
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A change
in the shape or consistency of stool, such as diarrhea or constipation
lasting several weeks
-
Cramping
pain in your lower stomach
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A
feeling of discomfort or an urge to have a bowel movement when there is
no need to have one
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Weakness
or fatigue
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Unintended weight loss
See your doctor if you have any
of the above warning signs.
Who should get a colorectal
cancer screening test?
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If you
are 50 or older, you should start getting regular tests for colon
cancer, even if you do not have signs and symptoms.
-
If you
have family members with a history of colon cancer, start having
colorectal cancer screening tests at age 40.
-
If you
have had colorectal cancer or polyps in the past, you should also be
screened for colorectal cancer.
There are different kinds of screening tests for colorectal cancer, but
colonoscopy is recommended as the
standard. Colonoscopy is the most sensitive test for detecting cancers in
the colon and precancerous polyps, growths inside the colon and rectum that
are abnormal.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure wherein a
colonoscope, a thin, lighted tube, is inserted into the rectum and guided
through the colon for complete visualization. If there are any abnormalities
found, such as polyps, they can be biopsied and removed immediately during
the procedure. Polyps are often a precursor to colorectal cancer and
removing them during the colonoscopy can reduce your risk for developing
colorectal cancer.
How to schedule a colorectal
cancer screening colonoscopy?
You can call one of the following phone numbers below to schedule an
appointment with one of our GI doctors. You can also talk to your own
primary care physician and have him or her refer you to one of our GI
doctors.
Samuel Castillo, M.D.
1431 North Western Avenue
Suite 133
Chicago, Illinois 60622
773-342-6800 or 773-342-5353
Arum Verma, M.D.
1044 North Francisco Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60622
773-292-8247
Our GI Lab
Staff
